Vintage Delta Red Bird Dry Cell Lantern – Dual Reflector – Marion, Indiana

Vintage Red Bird Dry Cell Lantern manufactured by the Delta Electric Company of Marion, Indiana. This is an early battery-operated utility lantern with a heavy metal body, large front reflector and removable top battery compartment.

The embossed top reads “RED BIRD DRY CELL LANTERN,” and the original instruction sheet is still present. The instructions specify use of two No. 6 dry-cell batteries and identify Delta Electric Company, Marion, Indiana. Similar Red Bird lanterns are generally dated to around the 1940s–1950s.

Details

• Manufacturer: Delta Electric Company
• Model/line: Red Bird Dry Cell Lantern
• Made in Marion, Indiana, USA
• Vintage battery-operated electric lantern
• Uses two No. 6 dry-cell batteries
• Large front reflector
• Metal body
• Wire carrying handles
• Removable top cover
• Original internal wiring/components present
• Original instruction sheet included
• Approximate dimensions: 6.5" W x 3.75" D x 7.5" H
• Likely 1940s–1950s
• Excellent industrial, railroad-style, camping or vintage lighting collectible

Condition

Good original vintage display condition with substantial age-related wear.

The lantern shows scratches, dents, paint loss, oxidation, rust and surface wear throughout. Remnants of the original red paint remain visible beneath the worn silver finish. The interior has heavier oxidation and age-related deterioration.

The front reflector and lens remain present. The original instruction sheet shows considerable staining, darkening, edge wear and age deterioration.

Untested. Working condition is unknown and it is being sold as a vintage collectible/display piece.

Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the condition description.

Pickup and Shipping Information

Local pickup in Saskatoon is available by arrangement, and cash is accepted at pickup.

Shipping is available throughout Canada and the United States, calculated at checkout by the total weight of your order (Canada from $5, US from $18 — full rate chart in the shipping policy).

For shipped orders within Canada, payment is by Interac e-Transfer or PayPal. For US orders, payment is by PayPal. US buyers are responsible for any duties, tariffs, taxes, brokerage and import charges.

Jay’s Mercantile
Recycling the past, one item at a time.